Astra

Astra is the Royal Air Force’s journey to the nextgeneration Royal Air Force, but it’s not simply just another project; it’s about changing the culture of the Royal Air Force so that, together, we can ensure we’re building an organisation that meets the demands of the future.

Addressing equipment, infrastructure, people, support, and training, the RAF has extended Astra to include the themes of sustainability and digital. We know that we must play our part in addressing climate change, and the Chief of the Air Staff has a bold challenge of being the first net-zero air force by 2040. We also need to exploit information and evolving technologies at a rapid pace; therefore, the RAF has employed the first chief digital information officer.

Astra ways of working and Astra thinking are becoming embedded in the RAF, promoting relentless innovation, the exploitation of technology, and keeping creativity at our core.

Our people, their creative ideas, and their ability to challenge the status quo are key to ensuring Astra is a success.

PROJECT PULSE They are the heart of the RAF and it is our people that will drive and implement these changes, so it is unsurprising that many of the innovations taking place right now impact directly on our people. Whether it’s the digitisation of documents with electronic signatures or the creation of an online alumni network for current and past-serving members, the RAF is swiftly embracing technological advances to enhance the lived experience for our Whole Force and build a next-generation RAF.

Project PULSE is an Astra ‘sprint’ that affects our people even before they reach RAF Halton for their initial training. With such high standards of physical and mental fitness needed to serve in the Armed Forces, the team at RAF Halton wanted to ensure that trainees were as fully prepared as possible before arriving for their first day of training. Astra worked with veteranowned Ashford Fitness Consultancy to trial a mobile application that gives a six-week course for recruits to follow to positively promote high standards of mental and physical wellbeing prior to joining the RAF. The trial has now been completed, and results are still being analysed; however, the positive feedback received from recruits who felt more prepared for the arduous training programme has already proven the project a success.

Project FOSTER is an Astra sprint that was implemented at RAF Lossiemouth to enable members of the RAF to own a dog without the added worries that come during detachments and deployments. Owning a dog, particularly when isolated so far from family, gives a sense of ‘home’ that is much needed for many people. Project FOSTER enables a community of service dog owners to temporarily foster a colleague’s dog, while fully insured and supported, during periods they’re away from home. This support system is invaluable to those who live in remote locations or far away from their family as it enables our people to focus on their operational output without the additional stress. The associated Dog Meet Club also allows owners and their animals to become friends, with a regular group of over 30 people now meeting monthly to create the positive foundations that support Project FOSTER.

PROJECT APPIVATE

Project APPIVATE was one of the first Astra sprints, delivered by a small group of like-minded individuals with a passion and skill for application coding. From humble beginnings, they have grown into an in-house Mobile Application Development Team that rapidly develops applications to meet evolving needs. Most recently, they launched their first public application, MyRAFAC: a mobile application that replaces the paper F3822 log and identity book used by RAF air cadets. The application, which is available for iOS and Android, enables cadets to access up-to-date information on their activities and achievements. Within days of its launch, the app featured in the top ten free downloads on the Apple App Store.

Astra is not just about the projects that are coordinated through the Astra Core Team though; it is becoming embedded in day-to-day RAF life, and the changes that are happening across the RAF can be considered a part of our journey to the next-generation RAF, which is Astra.

PROJECT FOSTER

Further initiatives include the issuing of sports bras to female serving personnel following excellent work by the Clothing Role Office; the creation of breastfeeding rooms at all units; the promotion of a menopause network across Defence, with guidance issued to line managers and personnel; and the expansion of flexible working arrangements to enable a more positive work–life balance for our personnel. All these changes can directly affect our people, and the RAF remains committed to providing the best possible life for those serving in our Armed Forces and their families.

Astra is going from strength to strength across the whole RAF. Anyone who is interested in becoming part of the future through Astra, or who wants to undertake innovation training, can get in contact with the Astra Core Team via email to ACASStrategyAstraComms@mod.gov.uk for more information. You can also find all the latest news on the Astra website: https://raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/units/astra.